The Beast, by its very nature, hates to relinquish anything of value to the
people. That is--pun intended--the nature of The Beast. The Federal Government
an unwitting and often fully cooperative agent of The Beast, loves to cling
to information like an pit bull clamping down on the throat of its adversary.
Perhaps as a joke, perhaps by accident or perhaps purely by random chance,
Congress passed the Freedom of Information Act in 1966. The idea was to
make federal information more freely available to the people who pay for
its creation: us, the United States citizens. Oddly enough, the FOIA can
sometimes even work in favor of the citizens.
Because of the immense bureaucracy of the federal government, The Beast isn't
always aware of the importance of a document. Also, many documents are held
by disinterested agencies and often times, a mosaic of federal documents can
be used like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to create a picture that wasn't
clearly visible apart from the singular components.
This file contains a good backgrounder on the FOIA as well as a "kit" for
using and exploiting the FOIA to your advantage. While there are still
tons of clauses in the FOIA that The Beast can use to hide, suppress or
otherwise keep secret practically any information in its possession, its
low-level agenst are often too busy, stupid or careless to consider what
they're releasing. This is one instance when the immense size and bureaucracy
of the federal government can work to the advantage of the people
Don't just sit there and refuse to exploit one of your key strenghts over The
Beast. File a FOIA request today!
========================================================================
From INSIGHT FEATURES / CONTENTS / November 1992
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Feature Article / 1275 Words
Using the Freedom of Information Act
How To Get
Information from
the Government
By Mary O'Connell and Patti Wolter
Insight Features
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees citizens access
to information about what the government and its various
bureaucracies are doing. Congress passed the federal Freedom of
Information Act in 1966. Since then, state laws have expanded on
the federal guarantees. The Illinois was effective July 1, 1984.
What it means is that any citizen has the right to follow up on
the records of the institutions governing society--such as property
title and deed transfers, court cases and politician's voting
records. FOIA requests can lead to public disclosure of
information useful to organizers--such as environmental impact
studies or budget allocations to certain projects. In one Utah
case, FOIA requests proved government knowledge of health hazards
(including cancer risk) caused by atomic fallout from testing in
Nevada. In another instance, National Highway Safety
Administration documents disclosed to the public forced the recall
of 500 defective tires.
While federal FOI laws do not apply to state or local
governments, most states have their own open records laws--some of
which are more inclusive than the federal law. Any documents of a
state or local agency which are submitted to a federal agency,
however, automatically become subject to the federal FOIA. Contact
your state attorney general's office for copies of your state's
act.
What Can You Get?
The federal law covers all agencies of the federal government,
from the Pentagon to your local post office. It does not extend to
activities at the White house, Congress, the federal courts or
private corporations. The Illinois law covers all branches of the
state and local government except the judiciary. It also applies
to all local public bodies, including school districts, city and
county governments, state universities, and the innumerable board,
bureaus and committees that spend tax dollars. Local bodies may
have their own FOI regulations.
In general, you're entitled to review and copy public records of
any of these bodies. These can include reports, forms, memoranda,
maps, photographs, microfilms, tapes and computerized data. You
can be charged for the cost of searching for and copying the
records; however, if you can prove disclosure of the information
will benefit the public, those fees may be waived. This provision
usually applies to journalists, researchers and scholars.
What Can't You Get
The law assumes you are entitled to information unless specified
otherwise. Exemptions are for such information as:
--classified material (federal);
--information that would invade personal privacy, such as
medical records, personnel files, student records (although other
laws guarantee you access to your own files);
--criminal investigations;
--trade secrets, sealed bids, exam questions and answers--the
kind of information that would give you unfair advantage over
others;
--investigatory records which, if released, would "impede law
enforcement, disclose confidential sources or investigative
techniques;"
--documents concerning government regulation or supervision of
financial institutions;
--internal agency memoranda and policy discussions;
--national security;
--oil and gas wells (location of and other trade
specifications).
How Does It Work?
Formal written requests for information (as opposed to inquiries
in person or over the phone) are the only requests considered as
falling within the FOI guidelines and subject to the law.
Mention in your letter that you are asking for information under
the FOIA. Identify the source that led you to this agency. (For
example, send a clipping that mentions the study you want, or give
the name of the person who referred you.) Describe what you want as
specifically as possible (documents, letters, bills, financial
records relating to the sale of the former school building at 1211
Oak St.). You are not required to explain why you are making the
request.
Mention that you will expect a reply within seven days (10 days
for the federal government). If you want copies of records--not
just the chance to look at them--you can specify how much you are
willing to pay for copying, in case your request turns out to be
bigger than you expected. Keep a copy of all correspondence.
Once you submit your written request, the government must reply
within seven (or 10) working days. They can give you the
information, ask for an extension, or turn you down.
Extensions cover situations where the records are stored
elsewhere, where they require an extensive search, where the agency
wants time to review them for exempt material or to check with
another agency involved in the case, or where the seven-day limit
is "unduly burdensome." Extensions cover the same period as the
original request.
Be persistent. Despite deadline requirements for releasing
information, in practice some agencies will take months (or even
years) to fulfill an FOI request. At the same time, if you can
prove you need a document urgently--for example, for a court case--
you can also persuade the agency to meet your request early.
Getting What You Want
The more targeted your request for information, the more likely
you are to get the specific information you need. This means
filing your request with the appropriate agency of office as well
as knowing what kinds of documents you're looking for (as opposed
to asking for general information on a subject). Most large
agencies have a designated FOI officer to handle requests; if no
such officer exists, it is a good idea to call and find out how to
best direct your letter.
Federal law requires each agency to issue quarterly indexes of
its records dating back to July 4, 1967. Illinois law requires
each public body to make available "reasonably detailed" lists of
its records and information on how they are stored. The
information must be comprehensible even to those who don't
understand computers.
You can also call an agency and ask about records on your
subject, trying to first identify what will be most useful to you.
Also, if the information you need is not stored elsewhere,
sometimes visiting the office and viewing the documents there,
rather than than waiting for copies to arrive in the mail, is
quicker.
What If They Say No?
Under provisions of the FOIA, once you make a written request
for information, the burden of compliance with the law is on the
agency. If the agency denies your request (not answering within a
time limit is a denial), they have to say why that information is
exempt. If only a part of what they ask for is exempt, they have
to cut that part out and send you the rest.
The first step in appealing a denial is to write a formal letter
citing the date and basic information of your original request, the
date of the denial, and a statement that you believe the denial
violated the FOIA. Send the letter and copies of all previous
correspondence to the head of the agency (state or local) or to
specified federal appeals offices.
If you get no action in 20 days of your request or appeal, you
can file a lawsuit provided you have the appropriate copies of the
paper trail). If you win, you can still be awarded attorneys' fees
if the material is considered of significant public interest.
For a 32-page booklet, How To Use The Freedom of Information
Act, contact the FOI Service Center, c/o Reporters Committee, 1735
Eye St, NW, Suite 504, Washington DC 20006, 202-466-6312. The book
contains an actual copy of the act. It also summarizes and
explains how to use the act; list Supreme Court cases which are
relevant to the act (and their rulings); contains a directory of
addresses for federal agencies; and gives sample letters for
requests, appeals, a filing a lawsuit. Cost is $3.
-- 30 --
Mary O'Connell and Patti Wolter edit The Neighborhood Works, the
newsletter of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, 2125 W North
Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. 312-248-4800.
========================================================================
-------------------------------------------
from the Amnet Civil Liberties BBS, Chicago
1 312 436-3062
-------------------------------------------
. FOIA FILES KIT
. Instructions
. USING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
. REVISED EDITION
Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc. 339 Lafayette Street, New
York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188
INSTRUCTIONS
The Freedom of Information Act entitles you to request any record
maintained by a federal Executive branch agency. The agency must release the
requested matieral unless it falls into one of nine exempt categores, such as
"national security," "privacy," "confidential source" and the like, in which
case the agency may but is not compelled to refuse to disclose the records.
This kit contains all the material needed to make FOIA requests for
records on an individual, an orgnaization or on a particular subject matter or
event.
HOW TO MAKE A COMPLETE REQUEST
Step 1: Select the appropriate smaple letter. Fill in the blanks in the
body of the letter. Read the directions printed to the right of each letter in
conjunction with the following instructions:
For organizational files: In the first blank space insert the full and
formal name of the organization whose files you are requesting. In the second
blank space insert any other names, acronyms or shortened forms by which the
organization is or has ever been known or referred to by itself or others. If
some of the organization's work is conducted by sub-groups such as clubs,
committees, special programs or through coalitions known by other names, these
should be listed.
For individual files: Insert the person's full name in the first blank
space and any vaiations in spelling, nicknames, stage names, marriage names,
titles and the like in the second blank space. Unlike other requests, the
signatures of an individual requesting her/his own file must be notarized.
For subject matter or event files: In the first blank space state the
formal title of the subject matter or event including relevant dates and
locations. In the second blank space provide the names of individuals or group
sponsors or participants and/or any other information that would assist the
agency in locating the material you are requesting.
Step 2: The completed sample letter may be removed, photocopies and
mailed as is or retyped on your own stationary. Be sure to keep a copy of
each letter.
Step 3: Addressing the letters: Consult list of agency addresses.
FBI: A complete request requires a minimum of two letters. Sen done
letter to FBI Headquarters and separate letter to each FBI field office
nearest the location of the individual, the organization or the subject
matter/event. Consdier the location of residences, schools, work and other
activities.
INS: Send a request letter to each district office nearest the location
of the individual, the organization or the subject matter/event.
Address each letter to the FOIA/PA office of the appropraite agency. Be
sure to make clearly on the envelope: ATTENTION--FOIA REQUEST.
FEE WAIVER
You will notice that the sample letters include a request for fee waiver.
Many agencies automatically waive fees if a request results in the release of
only a small number of documents, e.g. 250 pages or less. Under the Act, you
are entitled to a waiver of all search and copy fees associated with your
request if the release of the information would primarily benefit the general
public. However, in January 1983, the Justice Department issued a memo to all
federal agencies listing five criteria which requesters must meet before they
are deemed entitled to a fee waiver. Under these criteria, a requester must
show that the material sought to be released is already the subject of
"genuine public interest" and "meaningfully contributes to the public
development or understanding of the subject"; and that she/he has the
qualifications to understand and evaluate the materials and the ability to
interpret and disseminate the information to th epublic and is not motivated
by any "personal interest." Finally, if the requested information is already
"in the public domain," such as in the agency's reading room, no fee waiver
will be granted.
You should always request a waiver of fees if you believe the information
you are seeking will benefit the public. If your request for a waiver is
denied, you should appeal that denial, citing the ways in which your request
meets the standards set out above.
MONITORING THE PROGRESS OF YOUR REQUEST
Customarily, you will receive a letter from each agency within 10 days
stating that your request has been received and is being processed. You may be
asked to be patient and told that requests are handled cafeteria style. You
have no alternative but to be somewhat patient. but there is no reason to be
complacent and simply sit and wait.
A good strategy is to telephone the FOIA office in each agency after
about a month if nothing of substance has been received. Ask for a progress
report. The name of the person you talk with and the gist of the converstaion
should be recorded. try to take notes during the conversation focusing
especially on what is said by the agency official. Write down all the details
you can recall after the call is completed. Continue to call every 4 to 6
weeks.
Good recordkeeping helps avoid time-consuming and frustrating confusion.
A looseleaf notebook with a section devoted to each request simplifies this
task. Intervening correspondence to and from the agency can be inserted
bewteen the notes on phone calls so that all relevant material will be at hand
for the various tasks: phone consultations, writing the newsletter,
correspondence, articles, preparation for media appearances, congressional
testimony or litigation, if that course is adopted.
HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU GET EVERYTHING YOU ARE ENTITLED TO ...
AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU DO NOT
After each agency has searched and processed your request, you will
receive a letter that announces the outcome, encloses the released documents,
if any, and explains where to direct an appeal if any material has been
withheld. There are four possible outcomes:
1. Request granted in full: This response indicates that the agency has
released all records pertinent to your request, with no exclusions or
withholdings. The documents may be enclosed or, if bulky, may be mailed under
separate cover. This is a very rare outcome.
Next Step: Check documents for completeness (see instructions below).
2. Requested granted in part and denied in part: This response indicates
that the agency is releasing some material but has withheld some documents
entirely or excized some passages from the documents released. The released
documents may be enclosed or, if bulky, mailed under separate cover.
Next step: Check documents released for completeness (see instructions
below) and make an administrative appeal of denials or incompleteness (see
instructions below).
3. Request denied in full: This response indicates that the agency is
asserting that all material in its files pertaining to your request falls
under one or the nine FOIA exemptions. These are categories of information
that the agency may, at its discretion, refuse to release.
Next step: Make an administrative appeal (see instructions below). Since
FOIA exemptions are not mandatory, even a complete denial of your request can
and should be appeals.
4. No records: This response will state that a search of the agency's
files indicates that it has no records corresponding to those you requested.
Next step: Check your original request to be sure you have not overlooked
anything. If you receive documents from other agencies, review them for
indications that there is matieral in teh files of the agency claiming it has
none. For example, look for correspondence, or references to correspondence,
to or from that agency. If you determine that there are reasonable grounds,
file an administrative appeal (see instructions below).
HOW TO CHECK FOR COMPLETENESS
Step 1: Before reading the documents, turn them over and number the back
of each page sequentilaly. The packet may contain documents from the agency's
headquarters as well as several field office files. Separate the documents
into their reqpective office packets. Each of these offices will have assigned
the investigation a separate file number. Try to find the numbering system.
Usually the lower righthand corner of the first page carries a hand-written
file and document number. For instance, an FBI document might be marked
"100-7142-22". This would indicate that it is the 22nd document in the 7142nd
file in the 100 classification. As you inspect the documents, make a list of
these file numbers and which office they represent. In this way you will be
able to determine which office created and which office received the document
you have in your hand. Often there is a block stamp affixed with the name of
the office from whose files this copy was retrieved. the "To/From" heading on
a document may also give you corresponding file numbers and will help you
puzzle out the origin of the document.
When you have finally identified eahc document's file and serial number
and separated the documents into their proper office batches, make a list of
all the serial numbers in each batch to see if there any any missing numbers.
If there are missing serial numbers and some documents have been withheld, try
to determine if teh missing numbers might reasonably correspond to the
withheld documents. If not, the realease may be incomplete and an
administrative appeal should be made.
Step 2: Read all the document released to you. Keep a list of all
document referred to the text--letters, memos, teletypes, reports, etc. Each
of these "referred to" documents should turn up in the packet released to you.
If any are not in the packet, it is possible they may be among those document
withheld; a direct inquiry should be made. In an administrative appeal, ask
that each of these "referred to" documents be produced or that the agency
state plainly that they are among those withheld. Of course, the totals of
unproduced vs. withheld must be within reasons; that is, if the total number
of unproduced documents you find referred to the text of the documents
produced exceeds the total number of documents withheld, the agency cannot
claim that all the referred to documents are accounted for by the withheld
categoty. You will soon get the hand of making logical conclusions from
discrepancies in the totals and missing document numbers.
Another thing to look for when reading the released documents if the
names of persons or agencies to whom the document has been disseminated. the
lower left-hadn corncer is a common location for the typed list of agencies or
offices to whom the document has been directed. In addition, there may be
additional distribution recorded by hand, there or elsewhere on the cover
page. There are published glossaries for some agencies that will help in
deciphering these notaitons when they are not clear. Contact FOIA, Inc., if
you need assistance in deciphering the text.
Finally, any other file numbers that appear on the document should be
noted, particularaly in the subject of the file is of interest and is one you
have not requested. You may want to make an additional request for some of
these files.
HOW TO MAKE AN ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL
Under the FOIA, a dissatified requester has the right of administrative
appeal. the name and address of the proper appeal office will be given to you
by each agency in its final response letter.
This kit contains a sample appeal letter with suggesting for adapting it
to various circumstances. However, you need not make such an elaborate appeal;
in fact, you need not offer any reasons at all but rather simply write a
letter to the appeals unit stating that "this letter constitutes an appeal of
the agency's decision." Of course, if you have identified some real
discrepanices, you will want to set them forth fully, but even if you have not
found any, you may simply ask that the release be reviewed.
If you are still dissatisfied after the administrative appeal process,
the FOIA gives you the right to bring a lawsuit in federal district court on
an expedited basis.
FOIA FILES KIT
FBI Request Letter
Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc. 339 Lafayette Street, New
York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188
Date:
To: FOIA/PA Unit
Federal Bureau of Investigation
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
I request a complete and thorough search of all filing systems and
locations for all records maintained by your agency pertaining to and/or
captioned: ______ _____________________________________________________
[describe records desired and/or insert full and
_____________________________________________________ formal name]
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
including, without limitations, files and documents captioned, or whose
captions include
_____________________________________________________ [insert changes in name,
commonly used names, _____________________________________________________
acronyms, sub-groups, and the like]
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
This request specifically includes "main" files and "see references,"
including, but not limited to numbered and lettered sub files, "DO NOT FILE"
files, and control files. I also request a search of the ELSUR Index,a nd the
COINTELPRO Index. I request that all records be produced with the
administrative pges.
I wish to be sent copies of "see reference" cards, abstracts, serach
slips, including search slips used to process this request, file covers,
multiple copies of the same documents if they appear in a file, and tapes of
any electronic surveillances.
I wish to make it clear that I want all records in you roffice
"identifiable with my request," even though reports on those records have been
sent to Headquarters and even though there may be duplication between the two
sets of fils. I do not want just "interim" documents. I want all documents as
they appear in the "main" files and "see references" of all units of your
agency.
If documents are denied in whole or in part, please specify which
exemption(s) is(are) claimed for each passage or whole document denied. Please
provide a complete itemized inventory and a detailed factual justification of
total or partial denial of documents. Give the number of pages in each
document and the total number of pages pertaining to this request. For
"classified" material denied pleae include the following information: the
classification (confidential, secret or top secret); identity of the
classifer; date or event for automatic declassification, classification
review, or down-grading; if applicable, identity of official authorizing
extension of automatic declassification or review; and if applicable, the
reason for extended classification.
I request that excized material be "blacked out" rather thatn "whited
out" or cut out and that the remaining non-exempt portions of documents will
be released as provided under the Freedom of Information Act.
Please send a memo (copy to me) to the appropriate units in your office
to assure that no records related to this request are destroyed. Please advise
of any destruction of records and include the date of and authority for such
destruction.
As I expect to appeal any denials, please specify the office and address
to which an appeal should be directed.
I believe my request qualifies for a waiver of fees since the release of
the requested information would primarily benefit the general public and be
"in the public interest."
I can be reached at the phone listed below. Please call rather than write
if there are any questions or if you need additional information from me.
I expect a response to this request within ten (10) working days, as
provided for in the Freedom of Information Act.
Sincerely,
name: _______________________________________________
address: ____________________________________________
. __________________________________________
telephone: __________________________________________
signature: __________________________________________
FOIA FILES KIT
Federal Agency Request Letter
Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc. 339 Lafayette Street, New
York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188
DATE:
TO: FOIA/PA Unit
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
I request a complete and thorough search of all filing systems and
locations for all records maintained by your agency pertaining to and/or
captioned ______________________________________________________ [describe
records desired and/or insert full and
______________________________________________________ formal name]
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
including, without limitation, files and documents captioned, or whose
captions include:
______________________________________________________ [insert changes in
name, commonly used names,
______________________________________________________ acronyms, sub-groups
and the like] ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
I also request all "see references" to these names, a search of the ELSUR
Index or any similar technique for locating records of electronic
surveillance.
This request is also a request for any corresponding files in INS
Headquarters or regional offices.
Please place any "missing" files pertaining to this request on "special
locate" and advise that you have done this.
If documents are denied in part or whole, please specify which
exemption(s) is(are) claimed for each passage or whole document denied. Please
provide a complete itemized inventory and detialed factual justification of
total or partial denial of documents. Specify the number of pates in each
document and th ttoal number of pages pertaining to this request. For
classified material denied, please include the following information: the
classification rating (confidential, secret, or top secret); identify the
classifier; date or event for automatic declassification, classification
review or downgrading; if applicable, identify the official authorizing
extension of automatic declassification or reviw; and, if applicable, give the
reason for extended classification.
I request that excised material be "blacked out" rather than "whited out"
or cut out. I expect, as provided by the Freedom of Information Act, that the
remaining non-exempt portions of documents will be released.
Please send a memo (copy to me) to the appropriate units in your office
or agency to assure that no records related to this request are destroyed.
Please advise of any destruction of records and include the date of and
authority for such destruction.
As I expect to appeal any denials, please specify the office and address
to which an appeal should be directed.
I believe my request qualifies for a waiver of fees since the release of
the requested information would primarily benefit the general public and be
"in the public interest."
I can be reached at the phone listed below. Please call rather than write
if there are any questions or if you need additional information from me.
I expect a response to this request within ten (10) working days, as
provided for in the Freedom of Information Act.
Sincerely,
name: _______________________________________________
address: ____________________________________________
. ____________________________________________
telephone: (___)_____________________________________
signature: __________________________________________
FOIA FILES KIT
Appeal Letter
Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc. 339 Lafayette Street, New
York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188
Date:
To: FOIA/PA Appeals Office
RE: Request numer [Add this if the agency has given your request a number]
This is an appeal pursuant to subsection (a)(6) of the Freedom of
Information Act as amended (5U.S.C. 552).
On [date], I received a letter from [name of official] of your agency
denying my request for [describe briefly the information you are after]. This
reply indicated that an appeal letter could be sent to you. I am enclosing a
copy of my exchange of correspondence with your agency so that you can see
exactly what files I have requested and the insubstantial grounds on which my
request has been denied.
[Optional paragraph, to be used if the agency has withheld all or nearly
all the material which has been requested]:
You will note that your agency has withheld the entire (or nearly the
entire) document (or file, or report, or whatever) that I requested. Since the
FOIA provides that "any reasonably secregable portion of a record shall be
provided to any eprson requesting such record after deletion of the portions
which are exempt," I believe that your agency has not complied with the FOIA.
I believe that there must be (additional) segregble portions which do not fall
wihtin FOIA exemptions and which must be released.
[Optional paragraph, to be used in the agency has used the (b)(1)
exemption for national security, to withhold information]
Your agency has used the (b)(1) exemption to withhold information [I
question whether files relating to events that took place over twenty years
ago could realistically harm the national security.] [Because I am familiar
with my own activities during the period in question, and know that none of
these activities in any way posed a significant threat to the national
security, I question the designation of my files or portions of my file as
classified and exempt from disclosure beca8use of national security
considerations.]
[Sample optional argument to be used if the exemption which is claimed
does not seem to make sense; you should cite as many specific instances as you
care to of items withheld from the documents that you ahve received. We
provide two examples which you might want to adampt to your own case.]
"On the memo dated _____________ the second paragraph withheld under the
(b)(1) exemption appears to be describing a conversation at an open meeting.
If this is the case, it is impossible that the substance of this converation
could be properly classified." Or, "The memo dated _____ refers to a meeting
which I attended, but a substantial portion is deleted because of the (b)(6)
and (b)(7)(c) exemptions for unwarranted invasions of personal privacy. Since
I already know who attended this meeting, no privacy interest is served by the
withholding."
I trust that upon examination of my request, you will conclude that the
records I requested are not properly covered by exemption(s) [here repeat the
exemptions which the agency's denial letter claimed applied to your request]
of the amended FOIA, and that you will overrule the decision to withhold the
information.
[Use if an itemized inventory is not supplied originally]
If you choose instead to continue to withhold some or all of the material
which was denied in my initial request to your agency, I ask that you give me
an index of such matieral, together with the justification for the denial of
each item which is still withheld.
As provided in the Act, I will expect to receive a reply to this
administrative appeal letter within twenty working days.
If you deny this appeal and do not adequately explain why the material
withheld is properly exempt, I intend to initial a lawsuit to compel its
disclosure. [You can say that you intend to sue, if that is your present
inclination; you may still decide ultimately not to file suit.]
Sincerely yours,
name: ____________________________________________
address: ____________________________________________
. ____________________________________________
signature: ___________________________________________
[Mark clearly on envelope: Attention: Freedom of Information Appeals]
FOIA FILES KIT
FBI Field Office Addresses
Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc.
339 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012
(212) 477-3188
. FBI OFFICES -- ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS
FBI HEADQUARTERS, J.Edgar Hoover Bldg, Washington, D.C., 20535,
202-324-5520 (FOI/PA Unit)
. FIELD OFFICES
Albany, NY 12207, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, 518-465-7551
Albuquerque, NM 87101, Federal Office Bldg., 505-247-1555
Alexandria, VA 22314, 300 N. Lee St., 703-683-2681
Anchorage, AK 99510, Federal bldg., 907-272-6414
Atlanta, GA 30303, 275 Peachtree St. NE, 404-521-3900
Baltimore, MD 21207, 7142 Ambassador Rd., 301-265-8080
Birminghan, AL 35203, Room 1400, 2121 Bldg. 205-252-7705
Boston, MA 02203, J.F. Kennedy Federal Office Bldg., 617-742-5533
Buffalo, NY 14202, 111 W. Huron St., 716-856-7800
Butte, MT 59701, U.S. Courthouse and Federal Bldg., 406-792-2304
Charlotte, NC 28202, Jefferson Standard Life Bldg., 704-372-5485
Chicago, IL 60604, Everett McKinley Dirksen Bldg., 312-431-1333
Cincinnati, OH 45202, 400 U.S. Post Office & Crthse Bldg., 513-421-4310
Cleveland, OH 44199, Federal Office Bldg., 216-522-1401
Columbia, SC 29201, 1529 Hampton St., 803-254-3011
Dallas TX 75201, 1810 Commrce St., 214-741-1851
Denver, CO 80202, Federal Office Bldg., 303-629-7171
Detroit, MI 48226, 477 Michigan Ave., 313-965-2323
El Paso, TX 79901, 202 U.S. Courthosue Bldg., 915-533-7451
Honolulu, HI 96850, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., 808-521-1411
Houston, TX 77002, 6015 Fed. Bldg and U.S.Courthouse, 713-224-1511
Indianapolis, IN 46202, 575 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-639-3301
Jackson, MS 39205, Unifirst Federal and Loan Bldg., 601-948-5000
Jacksonville, FL 32211, 7820 Arlington Expressway, 904-721-1211
Kansas City, MO 64106, 300 U.S. Courthouse Bldg., 816-221-6100
Knoxville, TN 37919, 1111 Northshore Dr., 615-588-8571
Las Vegas, NV 89101, Federal Office Bldg., 702-385-1281
Little Rock, AR 72201, 215 U.S Post Office Bldg., 501-372-7211
Los Angeles, CA 90024, 11000 Wilshire Blvd, 213-272-6161
Louisville, KY 40202, Federal Bldg., 502-583-3941
Memphis, TN 38103, Clifford Davis Federal bldg., 901-525-7373
Miami, FL 33137, 3801 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-3333
Milwaukee, WI 53202, Federal Bldg and U.S. Courthouse, 414-276-4681
Minneapolis, MN 55401, 392 Federal Bldg., 612-339-7846
Mobile, AL 36602, Federal Bldg., 205-438-3675
Newark, NJ 07101, Gateway I, Market St., 201-622-5613
New Haven, CT 06510, 170 Orange St., 203-777-6311
New Orleans, LA 70113, 701 Loyola Ave., 504-522-4671
New York, NY 10007, 26 Federal Plaza, 212-553-2700
Norfolk, VA, 23502, 870 N. Military Hwy., 804-461-2121
Oklahoma City, OK 73118, 50 Penn Pl. NW, 405-842-7471
Omaha, NB 68102, 215 N. 17th St., 402-348-1210
Philadelpha, PA 19106, Federal Office Bldg., 215-629-0800
Phoenix, AZ 85004, 2721 N. central Ave., 602-279-5511
Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Federal Office Bldg., 412-471-2000
Portland, OR 97201, Crown Plaza Bldg., 503-224-4181
Richmond, VA 23220, 200 W. Grace St., 804-644-2531
Sacramento, CA 95825, Federal Bldg., 916-481-9110
St. Louis, MO 63103, 2704 Federal Bldg., 314-241-5357
Salt Lake City, UT 84138, Federal Bldg., 801-355-7521
San Diego, CA 92188, Federal Office Bldg., 619-231-1122
San Francisco, CA 94102, 450 Golden Gate Ave., 415-552-2155
San Juan, PR 00918 U.S. Courthouse and Fed. Bldg., 809-754-6000
Savannah, GA 31405, 5401 Paulson St., 912-354-9911
Seattle, WA 98174, 915 2nd Ave., 206-622-0460
Springfield, IL 62702, 535 W. Jefferson St., 217-522-9675
Tampa, FL 33602, Federal Office Bldg., 813-228-7661
Washington, DC 20535, 9th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-324-3000
FOIA FILES KIT
Federal Agency Addresses
Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc. 339 Lafayette Street, New
York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188
FOIA/PA Addresses for Selected Federal Agencies
Central Intelligence Agency
Information and Privacy Coordinator
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
202-351-5659
Civil Service Commission
Appropriate Bureau (Bureau of Personnel Investigation, Bureau of Personnel Information Systems, etc.)
Civil Service Commission
1900 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20415
202-632-4431
Commission on Civil Rights
General Counsel, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 1121 Vermont Ae., N.W.
Room 600 Washington, D.C. 20415
202-254-6610
Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of the Secretary
Consumer Product Safety Commission 1111 18th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20207
202-624-7700
Department of Defense/Dept. of Air Force
Freedom of Information Manager
Headquarters, USAF/DADF Washington, D.C. 20330-5025
202-697-3467
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